Camera

January 2005

ff The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

www.emmysf.tv San Francisco/Northern California Chapter

STATIONS GO ALL TAX SEMINAR

OUT FOR PETERSON
COVERAGE By David Mills
Was it worth it?
That’s the question that can
be asked of Northern California
television stations after the
guilty verdicts and death penalty
decision in the Scott Peterson
murder case.
In the trial’s aftermath, news
executives say the widespread
AP Photo 7/29/04 coverage was justified. Media
Al Golub, Pool critics argue it wasn’t. The
ratings provide an unclear picture.
On Dec. 13, a San Mateo County jury recommended
Peterson be given the death sentence for the murder of
his wife, Laci, and their unborn son. A judge will sen-
tence Peterson on Feb. 25.
The jury’s decision ended months of intense cover-
age on the Peterson case. More than 800 press creden-
tials were issued for the trial and many stations set up
camps outside the courthouse. Some dedicated two
reporters and two crews to the story every day.
When the jury’s guilty verdicts were read on Nov. 12,
most Bay Area and Sacramento stations covered the
courtroom drama live throughout that afternoon. They
stuck with the same strategy on Dec. 13.
Most news directors contacted by Off Camera did not
respond to questions about the legitimacy of the cover-
age. ABC7’s Kevin Keeshan and CBS5’s Dan
Rosenheim did, both saying the coverage was proper.
“Every day we gave the story the amount of cover-
age warranted by what happened inside and outside of
the courtroom,” said Keeshan.
However, media critics say Northern California TV
stations — as well as radio stations and newspapers —
gave the story extensive coverage because of its “emo-
tional resonance” — not because it was newsworthy.
“News corporations that claim they can’t afford to
cover Sacramento or city hall or pay for investigative
reporting... camped in San Mateo with millions of dollars
worth of satellite and microwave trucks,” said John
McManus of Grade The News. “The precious resource of
the public’s attention was squandered on something that
really doesn’t matter.” continued on page 2
Emmy Awar
Aw ds - Entr
ards Entryy Deadline - F
Deadline ri. Januar
Fri. Januaryy14th
14th
Off Camera, January 2005, page 1
FOR MEDIA PROS
PROS
This media business tax
seminar is for professionals in
the broadcast, film and video
business. Whether you own your
business or freelance, even a
little, this tax seminar will give
you many tax tips that can help
you know what to expect this
year while preparing your
returns. This seminar will also
offer you tips on how to run your
business more efficiently. Jim
CPA, JIM SPALDING Spalding will set you straight in
Photo by Robert Mohr © this Media Business Tax
Seminar that is being held at the Bay Area Video
Coalition, 2727 Mariposa, SF, on Thursday, January
27th from 7-9 p.m.
Jim Spalding, CPA & MS Tax, Principal of Spalding &
Company is the former Treasurer of the National Televi-
sion Academy, SF/Nor Cal Chapter, former Board Member
of the Film Arts Foundation, former CFO, San Francisco
Bay Area Film/Tape Council, former VP & CFO, One Pass
Film & Video, Inc., Former CFO of KQED Inc. and Audit
Supervisor for Ernst & Young. Jim is also a BAVC-recom-
mended accountant.
There will be media networking to kick it off at 7 p.m.
with light refreshments. At 7:30 p.m., Jim will lead a
continued on page 4
FIR
FIRSST EMMY
ENTR
ENTRY Y ARRIVES
The Academy office has received the first
entry in this year’s competition: “Ghana
Road,” in the “Entertainment Program”
category. It aired on KITV 4, Honolulu and was produced
by Lewis Communications and Motorsports TV Produc-
tions. New member Bill Maloney is the executive
producer. Bill used the $10 off coupon he received when
he attended the Academy’s Hawaii membership mixer in
December.
The Emmy Entry Deadline is FRIDAY, JANUARY 14,
2005. The “Call for Entries,” entry and membership
forms can be found at www.emmysf.tv or call 650-341-
7786. Be sure to get your entries and memberships in
by the 14th.
 SCOTT PETERSON COVERAGE
continued from page 1
The verdict and death
penalty stories dominated TV
newscasts on those days. Most
stations devoted at least the “A”
block to the story, if not more.
On Dec. 13, other stories were
pushed deeper into the news-
casts. The takeover of PeopleSoft
by Oracle was virtually the only
other Bay Area story that was
covered in package form. The
evidence of water in rocks on
Mars was given vo-sot treat-
ment. The new director of the Dean Smith (left), NBC11 photographer, clears gear at least in the short term, are
from a tent near the San Mateo County Courthouse. inconclusive.
state’s stem cell oversight
Chronicle photo by Penni Gladstone
committee, the vote recount in
Ohio and the nominee for Health and Human Services
Secretary were either short stories or not covered at all.
“The news media squeezed off the front page and
first segments of newscasts what we need to know in a
season of elections, financial crises and international
wars,” said McManus.
Keeshan and Rosenheim disagreed, saying other
stories were not short-changed.
“We had more than enough reporters and photogra-
phers to cover the major stories of the day,” said
Keeshan.
So, why was the Peterson trial given such extensive
coverage when there are dozens of murder trials being
conducted at any given time in Northern California?
The NAACP and other groups have been critical of
crime coverage in the past, saying tragedies involving
upper-class, white families are covered far more exten-
sively than other cases. McManus agrees.
“I think there’s little question that had this happened
to a black or Hispanic woman in a poor neighborhood, it
A VIEW FROM CAMP LACI
By Bob Goldberger
The weather changed as if on cue
when word came down the jury had
reached a verdict. News crews pulled
on overcoats and fired up portable
propane heaters beneath the broad-
cast tents across from the Redwood
City courthouse that had come to be
known as “Camp Laci.” The wind chill
must have dropped 15 degrees in less
than an hour on November 12, which
turned out to be a bad omen for Scott Peterson. The
jury found him guilty of killing his wife Laci and unborn
son, as some legal pundits on site predicted. But nobody
anticipated the scene developing outside of court.
Homes and businesses around Redwood City began
emptying that Friday afternoon as “spectators” gathered
in the cordoned-off street in front of Camp Laci to hear
the verdict firsthand. They called friends on cell phones:
“Do you see me? I’m on FOX. Right now! I’m standing
behind Greta Van Susteren.” They laid odds: “No way
they find him guilty. I’ll bet you they let him go. Loser
buys dinner tonight.” But mostly, they cheered when
Off Camera, January 2005, page 2
would have been dismissed as just
another hard luck story going
down,” he said.
Rosenheim and Keeshan
vehemently deny that accusation.
“Race was not a factor one way
or another in deciding whether to
cover the story the way we did,”
said Keeshan. “I believe a key
factor was the advocacy of the
family. We saw the same thing in
the Xiana Fairchild case.”
Photo AP ©2004 Was the story something the
public clamored for? The ratings,
On Dec. 13, the ratings for Bay
Area newscasts were within the
normal range for a Monday.
CBS5’s 5 p.m. news received a 3.3 rating that day,
compared to a 3.9 on Monday, Dec. 6, and a 2.8 on
Monday, Dec. 20.
ABC7’s 5:30 p.m. news garnered a 5.3 on Dec. 13,
compared to a 6.8 the week before and a 5.2 the week
after.
NBC11’s 5 p.m. news earned a 1.7 on Dec. 13,
compared to a 2.4 on Dec. 6 and a 2.1 on Dec. 20.
KRON’s 5 p.m. news got a 2.4 on verdict day, com-
pared to a 2.5 the week before and a 1.9 the week after.
KTVU’s 6 p.m. news received a 3.1 on Dec. 13,
compared to a 2.5 and a 2.4 on the other two weeks.
The ratings during the verdict’s live coverage be-
tween 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 13 ranged from a 0.9
on KRON to a 3.6 on ABC7.
In this age of competing 24 hour cable news net-
works that feed on sensational crimes and turn partici-
pants into overnight celebrities, you can be sure this is a
debate that is far from over.
they heard the verdict on their
portable radios and TV’s.
It’s the celebrating that took
most journalists by surprise. Not
when it actually happened; by then,
it had become clear to everybody
what the predominant mood of the
crowd was. But leading up to the
verdict, I don’t think anybody had a
Photo AP ©2004 firm grasp of how angry locals were
at Scott Peterson, and how worried
they were that their trial would end up as “another O.J.”
One gawker told me his mother on the East Coast began
heckling him as deliberations dragged on and jurors were
replaced, saying, “You folks in California won’t convict
anybody, will you?”
Certainly many had followed the evidence closely and
cheered purely because they felt justice was being
served. But a surprising number of people brought up
O.J. Simpson as they hung around for hours after the
verdict, trying to extend their five minutes of background
TV fame into a full fifteen.
continued on page 6
 HD
ON A BUDGET By Keith Sanders
The HDV format now
allows consumers low-cost
access to high definition
video production. Sony just
introduced the world’s first
HDV 1080i camcorder. The
HDR-FX1 Handycam
features three 1/3-inch,
16:9 CCDs and can record
on easy-to-find DV tapes.
The HDR-FX1 uses an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV inter-
face for digital video/audio communication between
camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs. The 3.5 inch
SwivelScreen hybrid LCD offers 250,000 pixels (the
highest resolution of any consumer
1 camcorder LCD) for
accurate viewing under bright lighting conditions. The
HDR-FX1 is available for less than $3,000.
Sony has also developed Vegas 5, HDV editing
software that uses the same workflow as the user-
friendly DV format. Vegas developers also want to allow
users to edit HD footage on a minimal system, even a
notebook. A trial version is available on the Sony Vegas
Web site http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/
download/.
Vegas 5 is designed to work2 with a capture tool
designed by CineForm called ConnectHD. This applet
works in the higher-resolution 1080i/60 format used in
Sony ’s new consumer camcorder. It allows you to
effortlessly move footage from camcorder to hard drive,
converting the frames to the CineForm codec on the
way. A Beta version is available from CineForm’s site
www.cineform.com/products/
DownloadCHDBetaDone.htm.
Unfortunately at this point there’s no ubiquitous
medium (such as DVD) onto which 4 HDV products can be
distributed. Even so, the Sony Vegas team emphasizes
existing media can be used until advanced DVD formats
such as Blu-ray and HD DVD become practical. Sony ’s
Director of Engineering for Media Software Dave Hill
said, “Right now, we think that the ideal delivery sce-
nario for HDV is either projection or web delivery over a
corporate network. Actually, both of those fit nicely with
Windows Media – HDV projects encoded to Window
Media look and sound amazingly good.”
The appeal of HDV is that 6it is a low-cost format for
shooting and editing compressed high definition video.
Sony’s Vegas 5 mimics the DV workflow of home NLE
systems. Sony’s new HDR-FX1 camcorder is a high-
definition version of their successful PD-150 line of DV
camcorders. Thanks to Sony, consumers can now
produce high-definition video at low-cost.
8 9
Keith Sanders is owner of Perfect
Pitch TV and is the NATAS vice president
for San Jose.
Off Camera, January 2005, page 3
HD FOR
FOR
EVERYONE
EVERY
HD 2004 at the Film Arts Foundation, photo Robert Mohr ©
This year high definition video editing and play-
back goes mainstream. Learn ABChow everything’s changed
at the Fourth Annual San Francisco HD Seminar!
To date, the panelists include filmmaker (and Apple
beta tester) Brett Shapiro, who’s begun finishing the
visual effects on his HD production “The Chocolate
Curse.” Footage from this 40-minute fantasy has been
featured in the Apple Pro Training manual. Dave Van
Hoy from Advanced Systems Group will speak about HD
workflow and show a new HD DVD authoring system.
Paul Supplee from Total Media Group will discuss past
projects and uses of HD in the corporate world. Steve
Manke,
3 Executive Producer from American Media Group,
will speak about uncompressed HD production. A rep
from Adobe Systems will show their suite of HD software
solutions.
Panelists will relate their experiences with HD and
take questions. Then attendees will move to breakout
tables to witness demonstrations of uncompressed HD
editing, consumer HDV editing, HD DVD authoring, HD
videography & corporate success stories in HD. Snacks &
door prizes will be provided including an Adobe Video
Collection
5 Pro software bundle.
The event takes place on Thursday Feb. 10 from
7-9:30pm at KQED 9, 2601 Mariposa in SF. The cost is
$20 for NATAS & Film Arts Foundation members & $25 for
non-members. The last two HD Seminars sold out so
RSVP early to hd@emmysf.tv or call (650) 341-7786.
WWII DOC San Francisco NATAS member
7 and documentary filmmaker
Larry Laverty (with Don’t Blink
Productions in Oakland) is pro-
ducing a feature-length piece
exploring the lives of numerous
Bay Area World War II Veterans.
With more than a thousand of
these veterans passing away
nationwide each day and the 60th
anniversary of the end of World
War II coming up this year, the
piece is capturing the lives of
these men and women at a very critical time. Time,
obviously, is of the essence. We all wish Larry the best of
luck in his exciting and important endeavor.
 TAX SEMINAR 1/29
Photo Robert Mohr ©2004
continued from page 1
discussion on media business taxes for company owners
and workers, broadcast professionals, film and video
freelancers and independent filmmakers.
Topics will include
ƒ What is new from 2004 tax law changes
ƒ How to start up your business
ƒ What is the difference between independent
contractor (1099’d) and
employee (W-2’d)
ƒ Limited liability and incorporation
ƒ What is deductible on your return and where
ƒ Production entity Income forecast method, grant
accounting
ƒ Sales tax for production entities
We will open the floor up for Q & A.
The admission charge is $10 for NATAS and BAVC
members, $25 for non-members. There is a limited
seating capacity for this event, so please RSVP ASAP to
tax@emmysf.tv or call (650) 341-7786.
This is a co-production of the National Television
Academy and the Bay Area Video Coalition
MAUI JAZZ STAYS
ON NATIONAL TV
Maui’s own Jazz Alley TV, the
award winning and longest run-
ning Jazz, Blues and World Music
TV series has been selected to air
on BET Jazz, the Jazz Channel
every Saturday for another three
years.
Creator, host and director,
Kenneth K. Martinez Burgmaier
is honored and excited on the
three year deal with the network.
“We have some wonderful enter-
taining World premiere TV Specials
to share with our loyal and growing audience,”
including The 33rd annual Ukulele Festival from Honolulu,
MauiFEST Hawaii from Hana and Molokai and Bonnie
Raitt and Robert Cray-Live on Maui.
Jazz Alley TV has been on the air for nearly 15 years
and has been honored with several industry awards and
has won the Billboard Music Awards two times as a TV
series.
Jazz Alley TV is also aired to more than 80 countries
through the International Broadcasting Bureau-Voice of
America-WorldNet TV, and now in Spanish to Latin
America countries. Jazz Alley TV is seen in Africa, China,
Brazil and many other countries throughout the world.
Off Camera, January 2005, page 4
MORE
CUTS AT
For the second year in a row, the Christmas bonus
at KRON 4 News in San Francisco was layoffs. Last year,
the casualties included 19-year veteran reporter and
anchor Emerald Yeh. December 2004 brought the
announcement of a 10% cut in staffing, according to
KRON insiders (management is not confirming specific
numbers). This time, the damage is almost entirely
behind the scenes, with videotape editors feeling the
brunt of the layoffs. Reporter Jesse Gary appears to be
the only on-air personality whose contract is not being
renewed.
The personnel cuts are part of KRON’s continuing
effort to reduce costs after losing the NBC affiliation
January 1, 2002, shortly after Young Broadcasting
bought the station from the heirs of the San Francisco
Chronicle. Paying off the debt from the three-quarter
billion dollar purchase price is proving difficult on an
independent TV station’s revenue stream.
Under new General Manager Mark Antonitis,
KRON remains focused primarily on local news. In
fact, accompanying the announcement of layoffs, was
another announcement that KRON is expanding
its weekday newscasts by an extra hour and a half.
Beginning January third, the 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. morning
newscast will last until 10 a.m. KRON is also bringing
back the 4 p.m. half hour newscast it dropped nearly two
years ago. Insiders say the staff is worried about how
they will manage to produce more news with 10% fewer
people, but others say KRON had more editors than any
other station in the market, so the cutbacks may just
bring them in line with the competition.
MIKE ROWE
TO LEAVE
One of the Bay
Area’s most plum on-air
assignments is opening
up.
Mike Rowe is
leaving as co-host of
CBS5’s Evening Maga-
zine at the end of March.
CBS5 officials say
Rowe is leaving “on his
own accord.” Station
officials won’t say where
Rowe is headed and he
couldn’t be reached for
comment.
CBS5 has launched a search for a new co-host for
Malou Nubla. She’s been on Evening Magazine since
1999.
 GREAT PRIZES AT HOLIDAY SHOWCASE

Vince Casalaina Ric Stewart Beth Rimbey Rick Bacigalupi Jeff Belbin
Photo by Robert Mohr ©2004 www.mohrproductions.com

By Cynthia Zeiden In the midst of all this screening, there

was a TV Trivia contest held. A group of
On Friday, December 10th at the UCSF Cole
incredible prizes were given away to the
Hall Auditorium, NATAS held its second annual
winners. Thank you to all who donated gifts
Holiday Showcase Party, this year with part-
and food to this event! Thanks to Denise
ners UCSF and American Women in Com-
Williams at Grass Valley Products,
munications (AWIC). There was an extraor-
Thomson Broadcast & Media Solutions
dinary food spread including pizza, cake, wine
Cynthia Zeiden for donating four RCA Lyra MP3 players.
and much more. There was a very nice
Trivia Contest Thanks to Sharper Image for donating a
turnout of people from different groups and
Multi-CD Stereo System and two $100 gift
the variety of programs screened was very
certificates. And also thanks to NATAS
interesting:
Governor Ginnelle Elliot for acquiring the
Vince Casalaina screened his “America
Sharper Image donations. Thanks to
Cup Video,” Ric Stewart screened part of his
KTVU’s “Toy Test” and NATAS Governor
pilot episode of the series “Raw Music,” Lynn
Sharon Navaril for the wonderful toy
Friedman, Special Projects Editor and Beth
donations. Thanks to Akimbo Systems
Rimbey, Investigative Producer of KGO News
and NATAS South Bay Vice President Keith
screened part of their investigative report
about the corruption going on in San Francisco’s City Sanders for the mugs, shirts and popcorn. And, finally,
Parks. Rick Bacigalupi screened part of his documen- thanks to Carmelina’s Taqueria at UCSF for the fresh-
tary, “A Lot in Common.” Helynna Brooke and Jeff made salsa and chips. This is definitely the season for
Belbin screened a trailer from their upcoming series, giving!
“Open Mic Showcase.” Finally, Cynthia Zeiden Our next screening party will be the Summer Show-
screened on behalf of Dale Djerassi, Bo Boudart and case Party tentatively at Dolby Labs in June 2005. You
Steve Michelson of Lobitos Creek Ranch a trailer for the are all welcome to show your work, at any stage of
documentary, “Oil on Ice.” Finally, she also screened a development, at these events. Happy Holidays!
trailer for her documentary, “Safe Haven in China: The
Untold History of the Jews.”

HAWAII EMMY MIXER A HIT

Pamela Young, Shari Shima, Stuart Ishikawa-group watching eating & watching winners tape-Marty Schlesinger & Sid Milburn

19 members of the Hawaii “Even though entries are going to be judged in a

chapter brought their holiday
cheer and appetites to
Sidestreet Inn on Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th) to
view the long-awaited winners tape from the 2004 Emmy
Awards. Regional vice president Pamela Young passed
out Emmy entry booklets, discount coupons and fried
rice to current and prospective members.
different market this year, it was really valuable to see
what our peers consider quality work,” says
KITV Promotions Director Marty Schlesinger.
“It’s good to see the work that’s being done on the
mainland in order to judge how you’d stand in competi-
tion,” says photographer Rex Von Arnswaldt.
The Hawaii market has about 35 active members.

Off Camera, January 2005, page 5

 CAMP LACI SACRAMENTO
GETS FIRST O&O

Viacom is in the regulatory

phase of buying KOVR-TV (CBS
affiliate) in Sacramento from
Sinclair Broadcasting group.
The purchase will give Viacom
Photo AP ©2004 Television Stations Group its
ninth duopoly, and Sacramento
continued from page 2
its first network owned TV
Four weeks later, we were all back at Camp Laci station. Viacom owns the CBS
again, for the penalty verdict. Once again, the crowd
gathered, but the pack wasn’t as dense this time. Some network as well as UPN station KMAX-TV 34 in Sacra-
either were too busy on a Monday afternoon to break mento. The purchase will give CBS a powerful presence
away, or had soaked up enough of the courthouse scene in northern California, considering it owns two stations
the last time. The question hanging in the air: how will in San Francisco as well— KPIX CBS 5 and KBHK UPN
they react this time? Will they cheer a death sentence? 44. That means CBS will have duopolies in both the 6th
Will they heckle life in prison? A mob of news cameras largest and 19th largest markets.
circled a group in the middle of the crowd to catch their Viacom is paying Sinclair $285 million for
spontaneous response as the news broke over their KOVR. ”Acquiring KOVR is a terrific addition to our
radio. group,” said Fred Reynolds, President and CEO of
The recommendation for execution brought scattered Viacom Television Stations Group. “Sacramento is one of
applause and a couple of cheers, but the realization the fastest-growing areas in the country, and the acquisi-
quickly set in that they were actually applauding death, tion of this CBS station will significantly enhance our
even if it was well-deserved. Or maybe they just felt self- presence in this very attractive market.”
conscious celebrating alone. In either case, the ovation ABC owns KGO (ABC 7) in San Francisco, and NBC
owns KNTV (NBC 11) in San Jose, but neither owns a
lasted only a few seconds this time, and the crowd
property in Sacramento.
dispersed more quickly than before. Even the prospect of
making one last Hitchcock behind Dan Abrams couldn’t
counter the empty feeling that there truly were no
winners on this day. An innocent woman and her unborn
child were still dead. Nothing would ever change that.
NEW CINECOACH
CINECOA
Virgil Hammond owner/operator of Black forest
Company, Carson City, NV has just added CINECOACH
WARDELL TOK
TO CBS-
KCBS-AM
CBS-A production systems.
A 30’ coach with executive quarter and equipment
After 8 years as KTVU’s bay. Perfect for TV commercials, music video and reality
Director of Publicity, Kenny show production. For rental information contact Virgil at
Wardell is going back to radio. (818) 563-3946
Kenny’s new job as of January
1st is Marketing and Promotions
Director for KCBS 740 Radio in
San Francisco.
COMING & GOING
Cesar Chavez, KTVU
Creative Services Director, said
that “Kenny was instrumental in
coordinating our publicity
efforts, special events and
getting the word out on all the great things happening at
both KTVU FOX 2 and Action 36 Cable 6. Kenny not only
launched and maintained our successful Ticket Tuesday
Two reporters depart KTVU FOX 2’s “Mornings on 2,”
promotion on Mornings on 2, he also managed the
business reporter, Pam Cook and general assignment
station’s speakers bureau, coordinated the Lesher
reporter Kim Yonenaka. Kim wants to stay at home
Speakers Series and publicity efforts for the Chinese New
with her 18 month baby.
Years Parade. He also contributed to the Race to the
Sheryl Wyrostok to account executive, UPN Bay Area (KBHK
Recall, Fourth of July and the “Gimme the Mike”
San Francisco) Sales from General Sales Manager, KFOG
projects.”
Radio.
Kenny can be reached at KCBS All News 740:
Angela Lindsay to Account Executive, CBS 5 (KPIX San
Kenny.Wardell@infinitybroadcasting.com (415) 765-4000
Francisco) from same title, KRON, San Francisco
Off Camera, January 2005, page 6
 NorCal RTNDA
presents
KNOW YOUR NEWS
TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesday, Jan 19th
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
607 Front Street
(Cross Street: Jackson Street)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Triva Contest MC’s
MIKE SUGERMAN
and JANICE WRIGHT
Are you the smartest person in your newsroom?
Prove it! Form two to three person teams from
your station. Or just come and form a team at the
party. $20 per person includes, contest, refresh-
ments, beer or wine. (no host bar for other drinks)
membership not required, bring your friends!
Categories are: names in the news, industry
insider, politics, grab bag
Great Prizes plus a trophy for your newsroom
added bonus
NorCal RTNDA Annual Meeting & Board Election
This will be a night to remember. Don’t miss it!
team & individual reservations:
trivia@norcalrtnda.com or call 650-341-9978
Radio-Television News Directors Association of
Northern California
Off Camera, January 2005, page 7
CINEMA CLUB
San Francisco - Jan. 10th
One of the immortal
bard’s most frequently
performed works gets a
first-rate cinematic treat-
ment here, via director
Michael Radford (IL
POSTINO). Al Pacino is
virtually unrecognizable as
Shylock, bringing an old-
world gravitas to the role
and clearly inspiring the
rest of the cast to match
his intensity. They suc-
ceed, and the result is
riveting, rousing entertain-
ment. Even if one is
familiar with the play in
advance, this is white-
knuckle suspense and swooning romance all the way
through.
A 16th-century Venetian sea merchant (Jeremy
Irons), devoted to a young lord (Joseph Fiennes),
owes a debt for “a pound of flesh” to the anguished
Jewish moneylender Shylock.
Lovingly filmed in Venice, the film looks great, with
settings and costumes all sporting a dusky, lived-in look
that matches the subdued, naturalistic interpretation of
the dialogue. Lynn Collins is excellent and ethereal as
Portia, and her love scenes with Fiennes have an al-
chemical power that lifts them to dizzyingly mythic
romantic heights.
Vague homoerotic content and the grim realities of
Jewish oppression are not shied away from here, which
lends the film further richness and complexity. With the
play’s rich array of dramatic and comedic elements all
perfectly in tune, MERCHANT OF VENICE earns its
place as the first truly great Shakespeare film of the 21st
century.
Starring: Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph
Fiennes & Lynn Collins.
Directed By: Michael Radford.
Written by: William Shakespeare &
Michael Radford.
The Delancey Street Screening Room is located at
600 Embarcadero, San Francisco, between Brannon and
Townsend, enter through iron gate. Refreshments &
Networking 7 p.m., movie 7:30 p.m. Seating limited to
first 146 to arrive.
Sacramento - Jan. 15th
Meet Mark Baggs in the lobby of the Regal Theatres
at Natomas Marketplace, 3561 Truxel Road, Sacramento
(Off I-80) at 11:30 a.m. Pick the hottest movie playing.
CINEMA CLUB is a FREE first run monthly screening
for NATAS, DGA and AWRT members who may bring a
guest.
San Francisco- 2nd Monday,
Sacramento - 3rd Saturday
 RUSHING TO THE TSUNAMI
By Adam Housley
It took only 30 minutes to piled amongst rubble swept into
grab anything and everything stacks from seas that pounded
we could, so long as it fit into these areas just 24 hours ago.
one suitcase. Within two hours Relief efforts are underway and
of the call we were on a plane hospitals in Bangkok and other
headed for Tokyo and from there major cities have dedicated
on to Thailand. areas to treat the wounded and
A producer and myself, two dying.
1
suitcases and one video phone The quake was felt as far
packed neatly insides a hard away as the eastern coast of
gray case. Seventeen hours Africa. Three months ago
later we arrived at the stoke of scientists warned of the Tsunami
midnight, the city sleeping and 5 danger in this Indian Ocean
recovering from the massive toll
3 region. American officials also
to its south and across the Photo Fox News ©2004 frantically tried to warn Asian
Indian Ocean. nations after the Sunday morn-
This is the height of tourist season in this region of ing quake, but their efforts while
the world. To equate the number of people that come honorable, did little to save the
here, imagine tsunami’s like these hitting the Caribbean lives of people who had no idea
Sea. Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, India a wall of water was coming their
and
2 other areas filled with tourists from all over the way.
world, hit hard by waves as high as 35 feet. Most had no
warning because there is no warning system for the 6 Adam Housley is a correspondent
Indian Ocean region, only Pacific 4Ocean nations. Because
for FOX NEWS and a NATAS governor.
of this, the death toll now approaches 25,000 and
expected to rise considerably as more bodies wash
ashore and rescue workers get into more remote re- Send your news items to:
gions.
Along the coastlines of these countries and islands, offcamera@emmysf.tv
bodies of people and animals are strewn about, some

7
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